Abstract
Climate change and the subsequent impacts on socio-ecological systems and processes are now widely accepted among the scientific community. Furthermore, how societies perceive and collectively respond to the impacts of climate change will be essential to effectively adapt, evolve and maintain these processes. In this context, South East Queensland is particularly vulnerable from the impacts of climate change largely due to an increase in coastal urbanization and sea-change phenomenon. For example, coastline protective systems such as mangrove ecosystems are now rapidly being converted to canal residential and commercial estates. Not only does this have detrimental effects on the surrounding landscape, but also contributes to the loss of essential mangrove biodiversity. Accordingly, the aim of this research is to identify how the establishment of canal estate systems, affected the resilience of coastal regions in South East Queensland in the context of climate change. We aim to model the effects of climate change and the subsequent impacts on canal systems (for example sea-level rise, extensive flushing of the canal system, and the problems of Acid Sulphate Soils) on property vulnerability in the Southeast Queensland region. Moreover, this study will also address the social and institutional arrangements for enhancing science impact across several levels of governance in order to identify mitigation and adaptation measures of canal estate systems under a physical and sociological lens. We aim to further identify barriers that impede knowledge transfer between communities (including stakeholders), scientists, and decision-makers in fostering communication and building resilience for these systems from climate change impacts.